Originally Posted by
OldsCOOL
Cleats are not necessary for the non-racer. Those that have to have cleats and straps cranked down tight have migrated to clipless. Some still have cleats and use them because they love a vintage ride now and then.
One of my wife's relatives in Europe has a vintage car with "three on the tree"---the old 3 speed manual steering column shift. No power steering. I love a vintage drive now and then too (although reverse is where first would be on an American version) but I wouldn't want to do my daily commute in it.
I just find that there's a lot of irrational fear out there about clipless, and once people try it, they realize that it's just better than clips and straps---with or without the cleats.